Hobbies and crafts

NBA Live 96

Article Abstract:

Electronic Arts' NBA Live 96 computer sports game offers exceptional graphics and sound but only the game's highest level of play offers any real competition. The company markets the only five-on-five basketball computer game available though Mindscape and GTE are developing rival titles. Players enjoy panoramic camera views and high-resolution backgrounds as well as CD-quality sound. The game provides data about all players on every NBA team and allows users to make trades at any time to enhance their five man team. The software also allows players to create their own players by choosing from a list of playing abilities and specifications. NBA Live 96's first two levels, Rookie and Starter, provide no real competition but the third level, All-Star, will frustrate every player. At this level, the computer often cheats and prevents the player from winning the game.

Network play not enough

Article Abstract:

Companies are using network game play capabilities to sell their computer games but the products solo play functions are neither challenging nor absorbing. Network play features are a tremendous positive attraction but do not automatically transform a good game into a great game. The immensely popular Command & Conquer battle game, for example, is ideal for network game play but when one person fights against the computer the program quickly loses its excitement. Great games should be exciting and interesting in both network and solo modes. After all, many people don't have access to networks and the telephone rates for accessing another person's computer via a modem quickly become outrageous. Doom II, Marathon and Duke Nukem 3D are examples of programs that boast challenging solo and network game play.

The Hive

Article Abstract:

Trimark International's $49.95 The Hive Windows 95 CD ROM action game is the recipient of heavy prerelease press since it is one of the first original action games designed specifically for Windows 95. The game has a very cool and slightly intricate story line but does not suffer from complexity. Rather, game playing is essentially heavy shooting action. The course of action is determined by cursor movement along a scripted path. Unique 'Panoractive' missions supply attack-from-all-angles action. The game has impressive photo-realistic graphics. It is the first one to maximize Windows 95's gaming potential. The one drawback is the heavy systems requirements, a 486/66 with 8MB RAM bare minimum, bit preferably a Pentium with 16MB of RAM.